# Legal Age for Purchasing Cigarettes in the United States

## Introduction

The legal age to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products in the United States is a matter governed by both federal and state laws. As a measure to combat the health risks associated with tobacco use and limit access to youth, significant changes were implemented in federal legislation in December 2019. This article explores the evolution, implications, and enforcement of the tobacco purchase age law in the U.S.

## Historical Context

Prior to the federal regulation change in 2019, the legal age to purchase tobacco products varied by state. Most states had set the legal age at 18, while others, including Alabama, Alaska, New Jersey, Utah, and certain counties of New York, had raised the age to 19. However, public health advocates argued that these measures were inadequate in preventing high school students and even middle schoolers from accessing tobacco products.

## Tobacco 21 Law

On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This was part of a larger appropriations bill. The amendment, known commonly as Tobacco 21 or T21, mandated that the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and all other tobacco products be raised to 21 across the United States. This change was a significant stride in public health policy driven by increasing concerns about teen vaping and smoking.

## Implementation and Enforcement

The enforcement of the T21 law falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Retailers must verify the age of purchasers of tobacco products to be at least 21 by checking photo identification. Non-compliance by retailers can result in fines and other penalties. To ensure adherence, the FDA conducts periodic checks and sting operations to catch violators.

## Impact

The increase in the legal age for tobacco purchases is intended to reduce the rate of tobacco use among teenagers and young adults. According to the National Academy of Sciences, raising the tobacco age to 21 could prevent 223,000 deaths among people born between 2000 and 2019, including reducing lung cancer deaths. The law aims to reduce the likelihood that teens will start smoking and make it harder for underage students to obtain cigarettes from older friends.

## State Laws and Variations

Even though the federal law supersedes state law, various states had already begun raising their legal smoking age to 21 even before the federal mandate. States like Hawaii, California, New Jersey, and Oregon made early changes. State compliance enhances enforcement and public awareness about the age restrictions.

## Global Perspective

Globally, the legal age to purchase tobacco varies. Many countries adhere to the minimum age of 18, but several have raised this to 19 or 20, and some even align with the U.S. at 21. These changes are often part of broader public health strategies aimed at reducing smoking rates and preventing the onset of addiction at a young age.

## Conclusion

The raising of the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 in the United States marks a significant public health initiative aimed at reducing youth smoking rates and limiting tobacco exposure among adolescents. Enforced by the FDA, this law aligns with actions taken in various states prior to the federal mandate and reflects a broader global trend toward stricter tobacco control measures. As with all public health legislation, its success will ultimately be measured by its impact on public health outcomes and its enforcement effectiveness. By limiting youth access to tobacco, the U.S. takes a crucial step toward mitigating the long-term negative health impacts associated with smoking.